Role Of Therapist Research Articles

Occupational therapy practice in psychiatric day hospitals: A scoping review

Introduction: The aim of this scoping review was to explore whether clear guidelines for the practice of occupational therapists in psychiatric day hospitals exist, both locally and globally. Methodology: Searches were conducted in January 2024; 38 articles were screened and 22 were identified for data extraction. Articles were imported onto Covidence software. Data charting was done, and data were exported into a Microsoft Excel sheet, where content analysis was performed based on the review’s objectives. Synthesis of the results was done through discussion and reported according to the PRISMA for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Results: Thirty-eight articles were included but only 22 were relevant. Group therapy, individualised therapy, vocational and community workshops were identified as common modes of intervention in psychiatric day hospitals. Occupation-based activities are integral to intervention. However, there was no explicit definition regarding the role of occupational therapy and practice guidelines for psychiatric day hospitals. Conclusion: The general scope of occupational therapy remains the same for overnight hospitals, day hospitals and community-based centres. It is mainly occupation-centred, function-orientated, and patient-centred. However, there remains ambiguity on specific practice principles and guidelines that clearly define the role of occupational therapists in day hospitals. There is a need for occupational therapy practice guidelines specific for psychiatric day hospitals. Implications for Practice The study provides valuable insights into the current knowledge and availability regarding the role and scope of practice for occupational therapy in the rapidly expanding psychiatric day hospital setting, emphasising areas for further development. Tangible evidence was identified on therapeutic principles, practice approaches, program content, and guidance for resource allocation in psychiatric day hospitals, which can be translated into practical guidelines. Ultimately, the results inform occupational therapy service delivery, solidify the profession’s role in psychiatric care, and contribute towards National Health Insurance (NHI) policy development.

Teamworking in Dentistry: The Importance for Dentists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists to Work Effectively Together-A Narrative Review.

To consider teamworking in dentistry, focusing especially on the role of dental hygienists (DHs) and dental therapists (DTs) as part of the dental team. A narrative review of studies that have investigated teamworking in periodontology and dentistry in general together with consideration of examples of relevant regulatory and governmental policy documents. The inclusion of DHs and DTs as key members of the dental team yields significant patient benefits in terms of access to care (particularly among under-served populations), efficient and effective treatment and improved healthcare outcomes for patients. However, barriers can exist to full implementation of effective working in dental teams, including both systemic and regulatory barriers, as well as attitudinal barriers. Furthermore, DHs and DTs are not always working to their full scope of practice, thereby limiting the care that these team members can provide. Mutual respect between dental team members, high-quality communication and a common ethos and shared clinical standards are all essential for effective teamworking. DHs and DTs have a clear role to play in achieving sustainable improvements in oral and dental health for patient populations globally. Full and effective integration of DHs and DTs into healthcare teams will benefit not only the dental team, but also healthcare systems and patient populations, via more effective teamworking, improved access to care and enhanced treatment outcomes.

Couples therapy and the challenges of building trust, fairness, and justice.

The cornerstone of the contextual family therapy model is predicated on the belief that all family members benefit from trustworthy relationships, which result from (a) acknowledging the contributions of deserving family members, (b) engaging in responsible interactions, and (c) ensuring a fair distribution of relational burdens and benefits. Nonetheless, conflicts may arise when one partner asserts a claim to relational resources based on need, while the other believes they are entitled to such resources based on merit. Based on relational ethics and the development of trust, this paper focuses on the therapist's role in facilitating the conflict-resolution process to assist couples in reestablishing individual responsibility and accountability within the systemic framework of couple therapy. It elucidates several clinical strategies, including (a) cultivating trust through fairness and focusing on the importance of reciprocity and equitable give-and-take, (b) detecting destructive entitlement, and (c) marital relationships and ethics of care. Several clinical examples are discussed, as well as common couple relational issues associated with horizontal and vertical relationships, partnership, and fusion, and the impact of gender and power dynamics and trustworthiness based on the feminist lens.

Experiences of People With Persistent Nonspecific Neck Pain Who Used Immersive Virtual Reality Serious Games in the Home Setting: A Qualitative Study.

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of individuals with persistent nonspecific neck pain who used immersive virtual reality (VR) serious games at home for 2weeks. In this descriptive qualitative study, semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted at the participant's home after the 2-week period. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Sample size was determined using the information power concept (where "information power" refers to the amount of relevant information the sample provides for addressing the research question). Eleven adults with continuous or recurrent nonspecific neck pain participated in the study. Three main categories were identified. The first revolves around the home environment, revealing that participants had mixed perceptions about being at home, yet held a positive perspective on the utilization of immersive VR in that setting. The second pertains to immersive VR as a novel technology, indicating its overall comfort, user-friendliness, and varying degrees of immersion and presence experienced by the participants. The third focuses on exercising in immersive VR, drawing comparisons with conventional exercises, exploring the facilitators and barriers to usage, and addressing various aspects of integrating this technology into rehabilitation. Immersive VR was deemed comfortable for almost all participants and easy to use. Participants found exercising in immersive VR motivating and enjoyable, compared to conventional exercises. The home environment proved suitable for using immersive VR, though challenges included autonomy and reduced human contact. Participants highlighted facilitators and barriers in using immersive VR serious games, as well as immersive VR's rehabilitation potential. They also underscored the crucial role of physical therapists for guidance, remote supervision, and personalized treatment. These findings could help clinicians to better understand the experiences of individuals with persistent nonspecific neck pain when using immersive VR, as well as its use at home. This understanding can improve patient care and optimize the effectiveness of immersive VR as a treatment method.

The role of the play therapist in supporting children and families following a natural disaster: A scoping review.

The predicted rise in weather-related disasters indicates that many Australian children and their families will be affected by these events in the future. Play therapy, an emerging profession in Australia, may provide valuable support to children exposed to these events. A scoping review was designed to map the existing literature and the role of the play therapist in supporting children (aged 3-12 years) and families following natural disasters, and to formulate a model to guide play therapists in the future. A systematic search of the literature was performed and a total of 25 articles were identified as relevant to the role of the play therapist in response to natural disasters. Play therapists must be mindful of the different phases of natural disaster response and how their role may vary across these phases. In the early stages post-disaster, a play therapist may be involved in psychoeducation, facilitating therapeutic play and community involvement. More formal clinical play therapy interventions that focus on the individual child or family are better suited to the latter stages of disaster response. There is a need for further research into the impact of natural disasters on children and families and interventions that aid mental health and well-being, especially for children who may be more vulnerable and potentially overlooked in the wake of such disasters. Further research is also needed into the effectiveness of play therapy as a post-disaster intervention for children.

The Unconsidered Pathway: Suggestions for Physical Therapists to Facilitate Student Reintegration to Physical Education after a Concussion.

Background/Objectives: "Return-to-play" and "return-to-learn" after a concussion are familiar concepts due to guidelines proposed by the Concussion in Sport Group and Heads-Up Initiative. The purpose of this commentary is to expand upon the current consensus guidelines for treatment of concussed children and adolescents, as well as provide guidelines for returning to physical education (RT-PE) classes. Proposal: The authors propose one general and four subtype-specific guidelines post-concussion injury. This framework highlights the role of physical therapists in the management of children with prolonged recovery. The final RT-PE determination should occur with documented medical clearance from a licensed healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of a concussion. Conclusions: Despite significant gains regarding the management of concussed children and adolescents, confusion remains regarding RT-PE post-concussion. To eliminate ambiguity and promote adherence to a gradual return to activity protocols, the authors developed guidelines based on current evidence and recommendations.

Amplifying Influence: Unveiling the Dynamic Role of Speech and Language Therapists within ICPOP Specialist Community Teams across Ireland

Abstract Background Integrated Care Programme for Older People (ICPOP) provide services for people with complex needs requiring specialist community multidisciplinary assessment and intervention. This national programme aims to shift care from hospitals, toward communities. As of October 2023, 23 of 30 planned ICPOP teams have been established (Butler, 2023). The Irish Association for Speech and Language Therapists, recommend speech and language therapists (SLT) be included on all frailty intervention teams across all service areas, ensuring equal access regardless of geographical area. Currently 10 ICPOP teams have an SLT in post. The contribution of SLT within these teams remains unstudied. Understanding the role of SLTs within ICPOP, exploring similarities and differences, is essential for informing professional clinical guidelines and practice. Methods This study utilised an anonymous, non-experimental, cross-sectional survey design. The survey design incorporated the Tailored Research Method to enhance response rates. Survey Monkey (http://www.surveymonkey. com) was used to create and disseminate the open survey. All SLTs working on ICPOP teams were invited to participate. Results Findings highlight the diverse roles and responsibilities of SLTs within ICPOP. While some commonalities were observed in services provided by SLTs, such as dysphagia assessment and communication support, variations existed based on team location, setting, and individual professional experience. The majority of SLTs participated in non SLT specific activities such as triaging, conducting assessments and administrative duties. Rural SLTs faced challenges related to resources and coordination of care. Urban SLTs had greater access to specialist instrumental assessments. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of recognising and addressing the varied roles of SLTs within ICPOP teams to guide professional guidelines and promote consistency. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by SLTs in different geographical and organisational contexts, policymakers and healthcare leaders can better support professionals to meet the diverse needs of older individuals across Ireland.

The Role of the Acute Occupational Therapist in Patients Returning to Driving

Abstract Background Drving evaluation is a complex process in which Occupational Therapists (OTs) are often viewed as ideally suited to assist with given our extensive cognitive and upper limb assessments and interventions. As per National Guidelines, health professionals have an ethical obligation, and potentially a legal one, to give clear advice to the driver in cases where an illness or injury may elevate risk of impairment while driving. At present, a pathway does not exist to guide OTs on the extent of our role in supporting patients who plan to return to driving; thus, it remains unclear what is current practice for OTs working in the acute setting. Methods We completed a cross-sectional survey to determine current practice among the Dublin Academic Teaching Hospitals. Results 42 occupational therapists across 9 different specialities with varying levels of experience, from new staff grade to clinical specialists responded to the survey. The survey identified several commonly perceived areas of ambiguity for acute OTs, including, (1) if their workplace has a policy or pathway on the subject and, (2) the Road Safety Authority’s Guidelines for healthcare professionals in relation to medical fitness to drive. It highlighted a lack of knowledge in relation to onward services OTs can and/or should be linking their patients with for outpatient follow-up. Conclusion It is evident that there is a distinct lack of knowledge among acute OTs in our role in patients returning to driving following an inpatient admission. Additionally, it highlights a need for a resource to bridge this gap and for future work in building a clinical pathway to minimize ambiguity in this area and ensure we are delivering a service that is both legally and morally sound and fulfilling our duty of care.

The Role of Occupational Therapists in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review

Context: Many COVID-19 patients have long-term physical, functional, and psychological deficits, posing hitherto unheard-of challenges to healthcare systems around the world. Occupational therapists (OTs) are essential to multimodal care and rehabilitation; yet, little is known about how specifically they might help treat COVID-19 patients. Goal: The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the function of occupational therapists (OTs) in the care and recovery of COVID-19 patients, as well as to pinpoint the precise therapies and methods that OTs use to enhance functional results and quality of life. Techniques: A comprehensive exploration was carried out on PubMed to locate pertinent research articles released until December 2022. Included were studies that looked into OTs' role in COVID-19 patient care. After data extraction, standardized instruments were used to evaluate the studies' quality. Findings: The review contained four studies, which included reviews, observational studies, interventional studies, and case reports. In COVID-19 patients, OT-led interventions in respiratory care, functional rehabilitation, and psychosocial support showed encouraging benefits in terms of boosting mental health, increasing respiratory function, and improving functional outcomes. Conclusion: A vital and varied role is played by occupational therapists in the care and recovery of COVID-19 patients. The identified OT-led therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in boosting mental health, augmenting functional outcomes, and increasing respiratory function. To assess the long-term impacts and develop standardized protocols for occupational therapy interventions in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, more study is required.

We exist and resist as woven patches: Collective narrative practices in an activist context challenging and responding to an anti-lesbian hate crime

This article describes a participatory process in which a group of feminist, lesbian feminist and dissident activists came together to respond therapeutically to the impacts of anti-lesbian hatred. The therapeutic context was created gradually with the deployment of a set of metaphors related to textile art, inspired by the re-authoring conversations proposed by Michael White. The process included the creation of a collective document that acknowledges and honours the participants’ wisdom, knowledge and particular ways of responding to anti-lesbian hatred. This work was embodied in three different forms: a patchwork quilt, a video and a fanzine. Collectivised through a definitional ceremony, these forms embraced manual-artistic creation and the materiality of fabric as valued means of expression, beyond the limits of the verbal. This work contributed to the visibility, externalisation and politicisation of acts of injustice, acknowledging forms of resistance, care and protest. The process invited us to reflect on the importance of collectivisation, fluidity and flexibility in structuring the therapeutic space, and allowed us to question the roles of therapist and activist as predefined identities.

School-Based Occupational Therapists' Roles Supporting Transitions Into and Throughout Kindergarten to Grade 12: A Scoping Review.

Large educational transitions occur when students enter and exit school or move between grades or divisions within the kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) school system. For students with disabilities, the quality of large educational transitions affects academic and postschool outcomes, which is germane to school-based occupational therapists. To explore the school-based occupational therapy literature to describe the roles of occupational therapists in supporting large educational transitions and to identify relevant terminology. We searched six databases (CINAHL, EMCare, Embase, ERIC, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO) for peer-reviewed publications in English with no date limitations. We included articles focused on children and youth with disabilities and school-based occupational therapy services supporting large transitions within K to 12 education. Using directed content analysis, we reported on publication characteristics, occupational therapy roles, and terminology. We included 46 publications spanning 37 yr that addressed transitions into school (n = 3), within K to 12 grades or divisions (n = 10), or to exit secondary education (n = 33). Occupational therapists assumed many roles in supporting large transitions, some much more frequently than others; 125 transition terms were used across included articles with few terms explicitly defined. School-based occupational therapists' involvement in educational transitions is extensive, with potential for expansion. Consistency in terminology would support future research and practice. Plain-Language Summary: A large educational transition occurs when students move between a school, grade, or division as part of their K to 12 education. For students with disabilities, the quality of a large educational transition affects their academic and postschool outcomes. This review provides an understanding of how school-based occupational therapists support educational transitions for youth with disabilities. The review found that occupational therapists took on many roles, with the potential for expanding their roles. The review also identified 125 transition terms that were used across the literature review and found that few terms were explicitly defined. Consistency in terminology would support future research and expanded occupational therapy practice in this area.

An Investigation into the Role of Physical Therapists in Saudi Intensive Care Units

An Investigation into the Role of Physical Therapists in Saudi Intensive Care Units

Facing the (Political) Elephant in the Room: On the Depoliticisation and Re-Politicisation of Refugee Trauma Amongst Therapists in Germany

AbstractPTSD is commonly diagnosed in refugees, and since 2015 refugee mental health programmes in Germany have increased (BPtK in Bericht zur Mentalen Gesundheit Geflüchteter, 2019). Despite the vast literature on refugee trauma (Silove et al. in World Psychiatry, 16(2), 130–139, 2017), there has been little engagement with the role of therapists therein. This article addresses this lacuna by drawing on 23 semi-structured interviews conducted in 2020 and 2021 with therapists in psychosocial centres for refugees in 14 German federal states. From these interviews, it emerged that therapists occupy an ambivalent position which is characterised by a simultaneous depoliticization and repoliticization of refugee trauma. Believing that it is “so bad it is impossible to do nothing”, therapists started to engage in public political resistance, through therapeutic interactions and lobbying for change. Most therapists sought to engage in political action through a prism of detached professional neutrality. This comprises a particular conundrum since the premise of neutrality directly contravenes the practice of political action as such but also reverts to a mode of individualised medicalisation that cannot fully recognise the political nature of their client’s trauma. We propose to solve this tension through a novel German critical theoretical understanding of trauma as a form of status subordination, wherein the taken for granted presupposition of intersubjective equality is so violently breeched it results in existential disorientation and speechlessness (Matthies-Boon in Breaking intersubjectivity: A critical theory of counter-revolutionary trauma in Egypt, Rowman and Littlefield, 2022). Casting trauma in such intersubjective socio-normative terms means that therapists have the analytical tools to fully embrace their political aspirations whilst simultaneously improving the efficacy of their therapeutic interventions on an individual level.

Social GRRRAAACCCEEESSS in intercultural couple therapy: A semantic analysis

AbstractSocial GGRRAAACCEEESSS must be addressed by the therapist, as they can easily and unintentionally be missed. The present article is based on a qualitative analysis of two case examples to draw out extracts of conversations around such biases. The purpose of the article is to bridge the heuristic of the Social GGRRAAACCEEESSS with the concept of semantic polarities and to illustrate the complex positioning of the therapist in encounters with intercultural couples. Both a semantic analysis and a deductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse extracts of material from two case studies. The findings are discussed adopting joint systemic and psychodynamic approaches. Social GGRRAAACCEEESSS can either remain unvoiced and marginalised or can be brought to the surface. The article addresses the importance of the therapist's role in highlighting marginalised discourses and managing unintentional alliances.

The role of physical therapists in the early detection of skin melanoma: insights from an anonymous survey.

Skin melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer. Recent years have seen an increase in melanoma incidence. Melanomas often appear on the back, a hidden area, leading to late diagnoses. Physical therapists, who frequently treat patients with lower back pain, could play a crucial role in early melanoma detection. An anonymous online survey was conducted among 254 Israeli physical therapists to assess their perspectives on melanoma detection, their knowledge in identifying suspicious lesions, and their referral patterns. The survey included sections on demographics, professional perspectives, melanoma knowledge, personal or family experiences with melanoma, and referral frequency for dermatological evaluation. The survey revealed that 75.2% of physical therapists viewed melanoma detection as part of their professional duties, yet 59.1% reported insufficient knowledge in identifying suspicious lesions. Despite this, 94.1% expressed a desire to improve their knowledge. However, only 44.1% actively referred patients with suspicious lesions to dermatologists. There was a significant positive correlation between professional experience and referral rates (p-value < 0.001), indicating that more experienced therapists were more likely to refer patients. The study highlights the critical need for incorporating melanoma detection training into physical therapy education and professional development. Enhancing physical therapists' knowledge and skills in this area could improve early detection and patient outcomes. Despite the potential role of physical therapists in melanoma detection, current training programs lack emphasis on this aspect, underscoring the importance of revising educational curricula to include skin cancer detection techniques. The findings suggest that while physical therapists recognize their role in melanoma detection, there is a significant knowledge gap. Addressing this through targeted education and training could enhance early detection efforts and improve patient care.

Rethinking treatment failures. Research on a group of Italian psychotherapists.

Psychotherapeutic failures involve situational, relational, and personal factors. Dropout refers to a patient's unilateral termination of treatment without the therapist's knowledge or approval. Premature termination occurs when therapy is discontinued before achieving a sufficient reduction in initial problems. This study explores the role of therapist's emotional response (countertransference), gender, psychotherapeutic orientation, and patient diagnosis in the context of psychotherapeutic failures. A mixed-method approach was used. Fifty-nine Italian psychotherapists, practicing mostly privately with at least 5 years of experience, were recruited through Italian professional internet websites. The Therapist Response Questionnaire and the Impasse Interview were administered to each psychotherapist. Each therapist was asked to reflect on their last dropout patient. Quantitative (MANOVA) and qualitative analyses (textual content analysis) were conducted with SPSS and T-LAB, respectively. The quantitative analyses revealed that the most frequent countertransference response was Helpless/Inadequate, with female therapists experiencing this more frequently than male therapists. The qualitative analyses identified two main factors explaining most of the variance in countertransference responses: Parental/Protective versus Hostile/Angry, and Positive/Satisfying versus Helpless/Inadequate, with Helpless/Inadequate central. Additionally, the qualitative analysis of treatment interruption methods revealed two factors explaining over 50% of the variance. Lack of communication was linked to negative themes, while mediated and direct communication were associated with positive terms. Direct communication was characterized as useful, while mediated communication was linked to dropout and attachment figures. Under pressure, psychotherapists' anxiety levels increase, often managed ambivalently or avoidantly. These results suggest that awareness of psychotherapist emotional responses is important to limit psychotherapeutic failures. These findings offer valuable insights for clinical practice.

An integrated curriculum for dentists and dental therapists in Liverpool.

The role of the dental therapist has evolved over the course of the past 70 years, both in the UK and across the globe. The General Dental Council's Scope of practice guidance sets out the skills and abilities of each of the professional roles within the dental team, including the dental therapist. Scope of practice of the multidisciplinary team remains poorly understood, to the detriment of teamworking. The dental profession is under pressure and the development of a flexible and appropriately trained skill mix might help us adapt to meet the oral health needs of the population, while leveraging a sustainable workforce. In 2019, the School of Dentistry at the University of Liverpool introduced a novel 'centennial curriculum', designed to fully integrate the interprofessional training requirements of dentists and dental therapists, following application via two distinct routes of entry. Challenges have arisen and addressing these has required a culture of openness and honesty regarding the complexities of shared care and scope of practice.

Role of physical therapists in providing care to older adults in welfare shelters during the hyper-acute phase of a disaster: lessons learned in Wajima City, Japan, after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake

Natural disasters pose significant challenges to affected communities, particularly vulnerable populations such as older adults. The aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake highlighted the necessity of welfare shelters to provide essential care. However, little is known about the specific role of physical therapists in these shelters. The aim of this article is to share the experiences and contributions of physical therapists in a welfare shelter in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, immediately after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.6, damaged 76,589 houses, injured over 1,100 people, resulting in 245 deaths. The authors comprised a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, that provided short-term medical support at a welfare shelter in Wajima. Through several examples, we describe the contribution of physical therapists to evacuees' health outcomes. Physical therapists played multifaceted roles in the welfare shelter, optimizing living environments, conducting physical screenings, and delivering continuous medical care, including respiratory care and exercise programs. The involvement of physical therapists in post-disaster evacuation shelters is crucial for enhancing emergency health care delivery and promoting community resilience.

일반유아의 도전행동 개선을 위한 개별화교육 지원팀의 효과

Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify the competencies of occupational therapists as members of the individualized education team and to apply individualized education to children exhibiting challenging behaviors, thereby reducing the children's challenging behaviors and alleviating the educational difficulties faced by classroom teachers. Methods This 7-week study involved a 3-year-old boy in D Metropolitan City, aiming to create an individualized education plan through consultations with a specialized team including an occupational therapist and other professionals. Using ABC behavior charts and rating scales, we established and implemented short and long-term goals. The homeroom teacher applied these strategies three times a week, following guidelines designed to address the child's challenging behaviors. Results Following the intervention, notable improvements were observed in the child's behavior, with significant reductions in challenge behaviors and anxiety levels, as tracked by the ABC behavior chart and rating scales. Short-term goals showed marked progress, demonstrating the effectiveness of the tailored strategies. Positive feedback from the homeroom teacher and director highlighted the structured approach's success in addressing the child's needs and the potential benefits of professional guidance in educational settings. Conclusions The role of the individualized education support team for challenging behaviors in typical children was found to be effective in reducing challenging behaviors, and the necessity of the occupational therapist's role as a member of the individualized education team was confirmed. This study is a pilot study focusing on a single child, and future research aims to expand to various children to examine the impact of occupational therapists on challenging behaviors in typical children.

Professionalisation and Autonomy of the Occupational Therapist Profession in Poland

Abstract Occupational therapy has been practised for several decades across various medical entities. However, it was only since 2012 that opportunities for professional development in this area began to be created. It can be considered that with the establishment of higher education training in occupational therapy, the perception of this profession has changed and is becoming increasingly important among professionals and the Polish society. Various measures are being taken to regulate the profession (including a law on certain health professions currently under procedure in the Sejm), but the topic of professionalisation and autonomy is still not sufficiently explored and addressed in Polish literature. The aim of this article is to present occupational therapists’ opinions on the professionalisation and autonomy of their profession. A questionnaire was used to survey 188 middle-aged people (35.18±9.72 years). The results show a need to regulate the occupational therapist profession, to guarantee assistance for therapists in improving their qualifications and to increase their remuneration. According to a significant number of respondents, therapists are undervalued and treated unequally in their work environment. The prestige of the occupational therapist profession was rated at a low level. The main conclusion of the study indicates that in the process of professionalisation and autonomy of the profession in Poland, more attention should be paid to the promotion of the contemporary model of occupational therapy in order to increase its recognition and raise awareness of the essence and importance of the role of an occupational therapist in both the medical (therapeutic team) and social environment.